1914 - South Sydney Edge Out Newtown

Without Dally Messenger, Easts hold of the competition came to an abrupt end. The teams that held sway in 1910 before Easts took over, Newtown and Souths, were back in control of the premiership race in 1914.

The Bluebags seemed to have the upper hand after they defeated South Sydney mid-season. But the Rabbitohs pushed hard, employing an unforgiving defensive line that only conceded 79 points in 14 games - less than six points a match!

The pressure told on Newtown when they dropped a vital late season game to mid-table Balmain. The loss gave South Sydney the edge and they took the premiership. In something that was becoming a habit, Annandale and Western Suburbs finished at the bottom of the table.

History Article © Sean Fagan / RL1908